Prepositions: 对, 对于, 关于, 为了, 给, 跟, 向, 往
Which preposition introduces what (a person, a topic, a purpose, a direction), and why the phrase goes before the verb.
Part of the free B1 Chinese course (about HSK 4). Examples are in Simplified characters, with pinyin only for some new or hard words; press the speaker to hear one with your device's Chinese voice.
Before the verb
A Chinese preposition phrase normally comes before the verb: 我跟他说 (I speak with him), not "I speak with him" in English order. Most of these prepositions started life as verbs, and some still are (给 = give, 对 = face).
| Preposition | Introduces | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 对 (duì) | a person or thing you act or feel towards; "for" (good/bad for) | 他对我很好。He's good to me. |
| 对于 (duìyú) | a topic: "regarding, as for" (more formal) | 对于这个问题，… As for this question… |
| 关于 (guānyú) | a topic: "about" | 关于中国的书 a book about China |
| 为了 (wèile) | a purpose: "in order to, for the sake of" | 为了健康 for your health |
| 为 (wèi) | who benefits: "for" | 为你高兴 happy for you |
| 给 (gěi) | a recipient: "to, for" | 给妈妈打电话 call Mum |
| 跟 (gēn) | a companion or partner: "with, to" | 跟朋友聊天 chat with friends |
| 向 (xiàng) | a direction or a person you address: "towards, to, from" | 向老师请教 ask the teacher for advice |
| 往 (wǎng) | a direction of movement: "towards" | 往前走 go forward |
- 运动对身体很好。Exercise is good for your health.
- 对于这个计划，大家有不同的看法。People have different views on this plan.
- 我在看一本关于中国茶的书。I'm reading a book about Chinese tea.
- 为了找到好工作，她每天学习到很晚。In order to find a good job, she studies late every day.
- 我真为你高兴！I'm really happy for you!
- 我想跟你商量一件事。I'd like to discuss something with you.
- 我们应该向他学习。We should learn from him.
- 一直往前走，就到了。Go straight ahead and you're there.
对 or 对于? 对于 or 关于?
- Wherever 对于 works, 对 works too; but not the other way round. For an attitude towards a person (他对我很好, 对我很客气) only 对 is possible.
- 关于 names the subject matter ("about"). A 关于 phrase starts the sentence (关于这件事，我不清楚) or describes a noun with 的 (关于历史的电影); it doesn't sit between the subject and the verb. 对于 can: 我对于这件事不清楚 is fine, if formal.
为了 or 为?
为了 gives a purpose: 为了学中文，他去了北京. 为 is "for (someone's benefit)": 为人民服务 (serve the people), 为你高兴. If 为了 comes after the main clause, add 是: 他去北京是为了学中文.
向 or 往?
Both mean "towards" for direction (向左拐, 往左拐). 往 is the everyday word for physical movement; 向 also has abstract uses: 向他学习 (learn from him), 向你道歉 (apologise to you).
Common mistakes
他对于我很好。→ 他对我很好。 对于 doesn't introduce a person you treat well.我关于这个问题有一些想法。→ 关于这个问题，我有一些想法。 Put the 关于 phrase first.我学中文为了去中国工作。→ 我学中文是为了去中国工作。 After the main clause, 为了 needs 是.我说跟他。→ 我跟他说。 The preposition phrase goes before the verb.我对他打电话。→ 我给他打电话。 Calling, writing or sending to someone takes 给.
Practice
- 我_____历史很感兴趣。Options: 对 · 给 · 往
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对 — 对…感兴趣 = to be interested in.
- 这是一部_____北京的电影。Options: 关于 · 为了 · 跟
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关于 — 关于 + topic + 的 describes a noun: a film about Beijing.
- _____赶上火车，我们五点就起床了。Options: 为了 · 关于 · 对于
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为了 — 为了 gives a purpose.
- 我昨天_____她写了一封信。
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给 — 给 introduces the recipient: 给她写信.